IT - Unit 4

Lesson 1

Modelling Software: There are two main types of this used in ICT.

- Modelling of objects (rooms etc.).

- Mathematical Modelling (financial etc.).

Modelling Objects: PC's allow you to create a virtual representation of the item within the computer. It is possible to see different layers (external view etc.). The model can be rotated amd can zoom in/out. 

Advantages: 

- Can change components to see how the model reacts, or can try a different design etc.

- Doesn't risk damage to the real thing.

- Can be done over and over again.

Mathematical Modelling: Tasks with mathematical elements, such as financial, are commonly modelled with spreadsheets. Spreadsheets have many features to help when modelling. They can be based on formulas and functions, which allow numbers to be input into the spreadsheet and for any changes to be automatically recalculated. This means that many different scenarios can be tried out using a single model.

"What If...?" questions allow the user to change values and see what the effect would be on the end results. Analternative method is to starty with the result and see what needs to change to enable the results to occur. This is known as "Goal Seeking".

Why is Computer Modelling used?

- It is less risky (safer and cheaper) to test a model of a design (financial or object) than to create it in reality and test it.

- Only one model needs to be created on a computer. The model can be altered and changed. If a real model was created a new one would have to be made with the changes, costing more money.

- A computer model can be backed up and shared. Since it is stored electronically, it can be backed up on a disk. It can be emailed or sent to others who can also work on the model.

- Computer models can be accelerated or slowed down to see effects that could not be viewed in reality. 

- Graphs and charts can be created.

- Models can be easily shared between…